All of you who see this have the "option" of forwarding it to others. Some of us do not consider it an "option" but consider it an "honor" to share this information by forwarding this post every time we receive it. We're proud of our men and women who have served, who do serve, and who will serve no matter where they may be! Amen

God Bless and keep them!

Note: I was sent this sometime back and recently found it again and thought you'd be interested:

Topic: ARLINGTON CEMETERY & THEIR GUARDS

Some time ago - On Jeopardy the "final question" was:

"How many steps does the Arlington Tomb Guard(s) take during his walk across the Tomb of the Unknowns?"

Reply: Well least to say all three contestants missed it!

I've seen the Changing of the Guards when I went to Arlington (in 64). This is really an awesome sight to watch and to behold - if you've ever get the chance to see it you will always remember.

More about the The Arlington Military Guards at the "Tomb of the Unknown Soldier"

1. How many steps does the guard take during his walk across the tomb of the Unknowns
and why?

21 steps: It alludes to the twenty-one gun salute which is the highest honor given any
military or foreign dignitary.

2. How long does he hesitate after his about face to begin his return walk and why?

21 seconds for the same reason as answer number 1.

3. Why are his gloves wet?

His gloves are moistened to prevent his losing his grip on the rifle.

4. Does he carry his rifle on the same shoulder all the time and, if not, why not?

He carries the rifle on the shoulder away from the tomb. After his march across the
path, he executes an about face and moves the rifle to the outside shoulder.

5. How often are the guards changed?

Guards are changed every thirty minutes, twenty-four hours a day, 365 days a year.

6. What are the physical traits of the guard limited to?

For a person to apply for guard duty at the tomb, he must be between 5' 10' and 6' 2'
tall and his waist size cannot exceed 30.

They must commit 2 years of life to guard the tomb, live in a barracks under the tomb,
and cannot drink any alcohol on or off duty for the rest of their lives. They cannot
swear in public for the rest of their lives and cannot disgrace the uniform or the tomb in
any way.

After two years, the guard is given a Wreath Pin that is worn on their lapel signifying they
served as guard of the tomb. There are only 400 presently worn. The guard must obey
these rules for the rest of their lives or give up the wreath pin.

Their shoes are specially made with very thick soles to keep the heat and cold from their feet. There are metal heel plates that extend to the top of the shoe in order to make the loud click as they come to a halt.

There are no wrinkles, folds or lint on the uniform. Guards dress for duty in front of a full-length mirror.

The first six months of duty a guard cannot talk to anyone nor watch TV.
All off duty time is spent studying the 175 notable people laid to rest in
Arlington National Cemetery.

A guard must memorize who they are and where they are interred. Among the notables are:

President Taft,
Joe Lewis {the boxer}
Medal of Honor winner Audie L. Murphy, the most decorated soldier of WWII and of Hollywood fame.

Every guard spends five hours a day getting his uniforms ready for guard duty.

Our U.S. Senate/House took 2 days off with anticipation of the storm. On the ABC
evening news, it was reported that because of the dangers from the hurricane, the military
members assigned the duty of guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier were given permission to suspend the assignment.

They respectfully declined the offer, "No way, Sir!"

Soaked to the skin, marching in the pelting rain of a tropical storm, they said that
guarding the Tomb was not just an assignment,

it was the highest honor that can be afforded to a service person. The tomb has been patrolled continuously, 24/7, since 1930.

Note: I'm very proud to post this and have it reach as many as possible. We can be very
proud of our men and women in the service no matter where they serve.

GOD BLESS AMERICA - THE LAND OF THE FREE AND THE HOME OF THE BRAVE AND WHO KEEP IT THAT WAY!

Boats

__________________
Boats

O Almighty Lord God, who neither slumberest nor sleepest; Protect and assist, we beseech thee, all those who at home or abroad, by land, by sea, or in the air, are serving this country, that they, being armed with thy defence, may be preserved evermore in all perils; and being filled with wisdom and girded with strength, may do their duty to thy honour and glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.